Vanilla Perfumes Are Back - But Better Than Ever
January 1 | 3 minute read
Words by Ruby Devlin
Originally published on | February 27
As the early 2000s make a comeback in our makeup bags, we’re seeing the rise of sweet, gourmand scents; with a *grown up* twist.
Vanilla perfumes fell from acclaim to lame, garnering a bad rap thanks to the sickly sweet perfumes from decades past. But alas, the people have spoken and are returning to vanilla for its versatility, delectability and permeating nostalgia.
Many brands have jumped on this resurgence, creating fragrances that subvert our expectations of what a vanilla scent should smell like – leaning into the masculine and feminine in new and exciting ways.
So, if you’re searching for a fragrance that will make people stop you in the street, take note: these are the best vanilla perfumes at MECCA.
For extra chilly mornings
Deep Dark Vanilla by D.S. & Durga is the gourmand follow up to the brand’s viral scent-sation, Pistachio.
Deep and complex (like conversations in club bathrooms), this vanilla isn't sugary; instead, it’s like taking a whiff of a really good vanilla essence - the one you can only find in the fancy gourmet shops.
Its masculine-leaning, 'toasted' vanilla vibe makes it the perfect fragrance for gloomy, rainy days.
For perfect introductions
Like other unexpected duos (think: chocolate and mint, Barbie and Oppenheimer, Kylie and Timothée…) sweet and fresh scents shouldn’t work together - but they do. Floral Street’s Wild Vanilla Orchid is no exception.
It's the perfect level of sweet and green, like a slice of vanilla cake while picnicking on freshly cut grass. It's great for people wanting to dip their toes into the world of vanilla-y goodness without going over the top.
For the 'dark academia' aesthetic
Vanille Antique (like others in Byredo’s Night Veils range) is designed as ‘a ritual for the night’ - with a scent that will last for hours. However, one might argue this intoxicating scent is too good not to spritz in the morning as well!
It is quintessential dark academia: the sweetness of vanilla balanced perfectly with earthy, wood notes to give the same energy as days spent wandering around a gothic library, wearing tweed and reading Greek mythology.
For reading in cafes
POV: it’s winter, snow is falling, you're sitting in a cafe in the beautiful city of Stockholm, sipping a vanilla latte.
This is what Coffee Break by Maison Margiela smells like. With notes of lavender, coffee and milk mousse, this scent is like a warm hug on a cold day.
For attracting compliments
Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Gentle Fluidity Gold EDP is the perfect 'date night' vanilla. One part of an iconic fragrance duo (alongside the more juniper-y Gentle Fluidity Silver EDP) - this scent is romantic, rich and ethereal - with the sweetness offset by warm notes amber and nutmeg.
If you’re after a scent that will make people stop you on the street to ask what you are wearing, you’ve found your perfect match.
For sweet treat lovers
If you’re after a fragrance that smells almost edible, Vanilla Milk by Ellis Brooklyn is the one. Two types of vanilla extracts blended with cocoa and a milk accord give this scent a delicious ice cream-y, cupcake frosting vibe – but with an unusual smoky undercurrent. Think: a milkshake with a shot of whisky.
For everyday luxury
If you're looking for a vanilla that's all grown up, look no further than Tom Ford's Vanilla Sex EDP.
Sweet and almond-y without being overpowering, this scent exudes quiet luxury. Whether you wear it solo or layer it with your other favourite fragrances, this long-wearing scent is perfect for everyday.
